I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
In author Maria Ian’s ” The Mascot, ” the first in the Cave Sun Series, a human rights attorney uncovers a secret war waging in Latin America by clandestine groups and finds himself the target of a band of assassins.
The Synopsis
Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?
Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.
Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.
When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.
The Review
This was a riveting and harrowing read. The author found a great balance between personal character development and conspiracy thriller. The slow-burn pacing yet thrilling events in the protagonist’s everyday life and the gripping drama that unfolds even in the earliest chapters of the narrative will stay with readers as they delve deeper and deeper into this new series.
The mix of courtroom drama, criminal investigation, and character growth will keep readers invested in this narrative. The protagonist is a compelling character, driving readers to engage not only with his legal actions but also with his personal development, from the friends and romances in his life to the clients he is willing to go the extra mile for to uncover the truth, with the truth being a prominent theme in this conspiracy thriller.
The Verdict
Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining author Maria Ian’s “The Mascot” is a must-read conspiracy and crime thriller and the perfect introduction to this new series. The twists and turns in the story and the rich character growth will keep the shocking events of this narrative embedded in the reader’s minds as the human psyche becomes the novel’s focal point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Maria wrote her first novel at the age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. She is the author of seventeen books, including an international bestseller. She has also served as editor of numerous books, including an Amazon health and fitness bestseller.
As a legal project manager for fifteen years, Maria assisted survivors of violence and torture from conflict zones internationally and wrote and published for trade publications. She also worked in PR and was host and producer for a regional public access TV show featuring interviews on current affairs.
Maria has a Ph.D. in political science, a JD in law, and is licensed in traditional Chinese medicine, trauma counseling, and physical fitness.
She created the crime and spy thriller Cave Sun series.
Why do I write? Listen to my interview here.
